April 15, 2010

Tea Party Movement

Marcia Franklin talks with members of Tea Party groups from around the state to learn more about why they became involved in the movement, what they hope to accomplish, and whether their groups will play a role in this year's elections. She also talks with a member of the new Coffee Party.

Guests include Brendan Smythe of Tea Party Boise, Dorothy Moon of the Custer County Tea Party Patriots, Bruce Saunders of the Lewis and Clark Tea Party, and Cindy Gross of the Boise Coffee Party.

The origins of the current Tea Party movement are unclear, but it came to public attention with protests in February, 2009 over the pending Stimulus Act. In general, Tea Party groups promote smaller government and fiscal conservatism, but some groups also focus on other issues such as government intrusion, the right to bear arms, immigration and health care. Their name hearkens back to the 1773 protests by American colonists against the taxation of tea imported by the British East India Company.

The Coffee Party, which is non-partisan as well, started in response to what its organizers viewed as increasingly uncivil debate about political and social issues.

Related Story

NewsHour: Tea Party Movement: The NewsHour discusses the tea party movement in different states, including Idaho. Features Dialogue host Marcia Franklin. Air date: May 5, 2010. Watch the video.